A Gluten Free Mehttp://www.aglutenfree.me
Wed, 14 Mar 2018 01:21:19 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.6A Gluten Free Me is a place where you can learn, connect, and experience what it means to truly be gluten free. It focuses on you as the whole person, helping to realize that being gluten free is about more than just food, but about a mindset. A Gluten Free Me allows you see how you can be a gluten free thriver in everything you do with interviews, anecdotes, and real-world situations.Aimee EnsigncleanAimee Ensignade@aimeeensign.comade@aimeeensign.com (Aimee Ensign)http://www.aglutenfree.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/aglutenfreeme-itunes.jpgA Gluten Free Mehttp://www.aglutenfree.me/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/aglutenfreeme-itunes.jpghttp://www.aglutenfree.me
Coffee and the Gluten Free Youhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AGlutenFreeMe/~3/MWRYM-z9KBc/
http://www.aglutenfree.me/coffee-gluten-free/#respondWed, 14 Mar 2018 01:15:01 +0000http://www.aglutenfree.me/?p=1404For years I stayed away from coffee. I was told that it would irritate my already irritated digestive track, so I listened to the doctors, and drank water for so many years. I forced myself to believe that coffee was one of the worst things you could put into your body because, to be honest, […]

]]>For years I stayed away from coffee. I was told that it would irritate my already irritated digestive track, so I listened to the doctors, and drank water for so many years. I forced myself to believe that coffee was one of the worst things you could put into your body because, to be honest, it was my way of keeping away from the drink I craved and loved the taste of. That’s right. I wasn’t addicted to coffee. I truly loved the taste of it.Hazelnut was my favorite. I would brew it and put International Delight Hazelnut creamer in. Talk about overdosing on hazelnut flavor. I started with decaf. I figured since it’s decaf, it wouldn’t upset my stomach and I could get away with it. After all, true coffee drinkers would turn a cheek to decaf coffee drinkers. We, those who drink decaf, aren’t real coffee drinkers, anyway, right?

Fast-forward many years, driving up North for Thanksgiving through the night. It’s 1:00am and it’s my turn to drive. I got a large cup of regular coffee, with hazelnut creamer, of course. 35 minutes later there was a full out dance party going on while I blasted Sugarhill Gang as everyone else slept. It was really funny. And then it happened. I had another cup of coffee during the week while in New York. And then another. And another. I was hooked on coffee. Real coffee. And my stomach wasn’t very happy with me…at least for the first few sips of every cup. And every sip after that. And then it occurred to me. The doctors were right. Coffee, or rather, caffeine, wasn’t good for me. I really should have stayed away from it with my colitis. So I quit coffee completely. Until I had a cup of decaf coffee with hazelnut and then regular. It’s a vicious cycle.

OK, what’s the point here? The point is that coffee, although delicious, could be harmful depending on the severity of your gastrointestinal issues. Coffee beans themselves are naturally gluten free. So there is no harm in drinking coffee if you simply need to steer clear of gluten. However, you do need to be sure there is no contamination with gluten when they are being processed and ground up in the factory, store, or gourmet coffee shop. If you are like me, and need to stay away from caffeine, however, then you need to rethink your coffee. And here’s what I found.

Bulletproof coffee. A clean coffee, offered in regular and decaf, where your body, mind and nervous system work together to perform at high levels. I was introduced to this amazing product by my husband. He always shunned me for drinking coffee, but when he finally accepted that it is my guilty pleasure, he found Bulletproof and told me about it. My first cup was incredible. I have never experienced such clarity and focus from a cup of coffee before. It’s not only about the actual coffee, but the clarified butter and brain octane oil that is mixed in with the coffee, blended to a frothy drink, and poured into a perfect cup of coffee. I know, this sounds like a commercial, but I promise you, it’s not. It is only the most productive and delicious cup of coffee you will ever drink. To boot…my stomach was fine. I mean, not one feeling of pain, or uneasiness, or the need to run to the bathroom right away. None of that. And I am completely addicted to it. Not only for the taste.But what it does for me.

So, when you think about your diet of gluten free living, and whether or not coffee is a good thing or bad thing, think about how your body feels. And think about whether or not your daily cup of coffee is something that makes you happy. My feels is…you only live once. So if your worst thing ever in your diet is a cup of coffee a day, then make it a good one. I choose Bulletproof regular coffee. What is your go-to coffee?

]]>http://www.aglutenfree.me/coffee-gluten-free/feed/0http://www.aglutenfree.me/coffee-gluten-free/Chocolate Banana Avocado Breadhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AGlutenFreeMe/~3/4iSy6iVMITc/
http://www.aglutenfree.me/chocolate-banana-avocado-bread/#respondMon, 15 Jan 2018 16:09:01 +0000http://www.aglutenfree.me/?p=1396Ok, I have to admit that this is not a recipe I put together on my own, but it looks so good that I have to share it with my readers and those that are not on Facebook. I found it as a video, posted it on my page, and did my best to come […]

]]>Ok, I have to admit that this is not a recipe I put together on my own, but it looks so good that I have to share it with my readers and those that are not on Facebook. I found it as a video, posted it on my page, and did my best to come up with a formatted recipe. Being gluten free at dessert time is difficult at times, but not when these type of recipes are around. So don’t sweat it. It is divine!!!!!

Chocolate Banana Avocado Bread

You will need:

1 cup all purpose gluten free flour

1/2 cup gluten free oats

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 eggs

1 avocado

3 ripe bananas

1 cup of coconut sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

What you need to do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine all the dry ingredients into a food processor and pulse until smooth and combined. Pour into a bowl and set aside.

Combine all the wet ingredients, including the coconuts sugar, into the food processor, and blend until smooth.

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth and thoroughly mixed.

Add the chocolate chips and fold them into the mix.

Pour the batter into a greased bread pan, sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on the top of the batter.

]]>http://www.aglutenfree.me/chocolate-banana-avocado-bread/feed/0http://www.aglutenfree.me/chocolate-banana-avocado-bread/5 Things I Have Learned In The Past 10 Yearshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AGlutenFreeMe/~3/e7uRlSx-r3g/
http://www.aglutenfree.me/5-things-learned-past-10-years/#respondFri, 05 Jan 2018 15:46:19 +0000http://www.aglutenfree.me/?p=1386It has been roughly 10 years that I have been gluten free. It has been 10 years that I have learned the ins and outs, ups and downs, and the lessons learned that go along with living a fully gluten free diet. You see, my destination really began almost 20 years ago when I was […]

]]>It has been roughly 10 years that I have been gluten free. It has been 10 years that I have learned the ins and outs, ups and downs, and the lessons learned that go along with living a fully gluten free diet. You see, my destination really began almost 20 years ago when I was told that I had to cut dairy, caffeine, and anything acidic out of my diet. So, out went cheese, coffee, soda (probably good things), and red sauce that you normally put on pasta or pizza. With all those changes, I was in no better shape. So after my son was born, I decided to give the gluten free lifestyle a try. That decision was almost 10 years ago. And let’s just say that it has not been a walk in the park. There have been many challenges. And at the same time there have been many successes. Were there and are there still speed bumps? Absolutely…but here’s how I did and continue to get over them.

The first thing I learned is that nothing tastes as good as healthy feels. Now, I know that sounds very self-helpish and like complete bullshit, but hear me out. How many times have you eaten something that you know is going to put you in pain (or in the bathroom later on down the evening), and even though it tasted good, the pain is just not worth it? Well, that’s what I mean. Feeling healthy, especially when it comes to an autoimmune disease like Celiac, a gluten sensitivity, or any other disorder that causes you pain or discomfort from gluten (or food, in general), is the most important thing. If you don’t feel good, then so much of the rest of your life becomes askewed.

You have to be experimental and open-minded. When I first went gluten free, I had to restock my fridge and pantry, which at that time, meant I simply replaced the bread and pasta with gluten free bread and pasta. I needed to try many new breads and food that I never ate before. Recipes that I never made became part of my weekly regimen. I had to be open to new things. I had to put on my microscope when I went out to dinner in order to be sure that what I was ordering was made properly for me (many times I even brought the chef out to create my own meal). I needed to welcome new foods and ways of doing things into my life, otherwise it would be torturous rather than enjoyable and satisfying.

Forgiveness is key. I’m not talking about forgiving others. I am talking about forgiving yourself. There are going to be times you slip up. Times when your meal or kitchen may not be as clear from gluten as it should be. Maybe you indulged in some gluten-filled goodies when on vacation and you got mad at yourself. I was in Vegas, and went to Gordon Ramsey’s Steakhouse for my anniversary dinner with my husband. The waiter brought out a plate of fresh, homemade bread baked especially for our table. There was no way I was going to pass it up. Now, I do not have Celiac Disease, so my reaction is not as severe as others, so please, do not take this advice if your allergy is extremely severe. However, if there is a time when something sneaks in, or you do indulge if you are not as allergic, then you must find a way to forgive yourself.

Be your own advocate. Nobody else is going to watch out for your own well being as well as you will. Be sure, when choosing where and what to eat, that you are making choices best for YOU and YOU alone. Of course, as a mom, I am always concerned with my kids and my husband. They tend to eat what I eat, with a few modifications (their pasta is always normal pasta in which I drool over). However, when planning meals, or deciding where to dine out, I always make sure that there is something for me to eat that is nutritious and gluten free.

It’s not only food that needs to be gluten free. Recently I have had a very itchy head. I would wash my hair, style it, and scratch it all day. Like to the point where anyone watching me would think I had lice or something. After getting checked by the school nurse, friends, and my husband, I learned that it wasn’t lice. I decided to test some theories, and changed my hair products. I stopped washing my hair as often as I did. Still itchy. It wasn’t until I found gluten free shampoo and conditioner that the itching was relieved. But it didn’t sto[ there. the hair products I used were not gluten free. I have naturally curly hair, and the mousse and gel products were making me even more uncomfortable. So I stopped using them altogether, and began using plain lotion on my curls when my hair was wet. Not only did the itch go away, but my curls are amazing (you should definitely try it). Be sure to check your hair products, and makeup. I can tell you that L’oreal sulfate free shampoos and conditioners are gluten free (just be sure to read the back and find the gf symbol)and ELF makeup products, although not certified, are mainly gluten free, as well (just be sure to read the labels fully, like everything else). I also know that Cover Girl makeup is gluten free. I’m sure there are more out there, this is just what I have found recently. Please share any other brands that you have found with this community.

There will be many more lessons, I’m sure, and lessons that I will either excel at or fail. They will all, of course, be part of the process. Part of your process. I wish I could say that it’s a simple formula, or that someone could sit next to you and tell you not to reach for something that is not healthy for you to eat…that which being anything that is not gluten free. But you need to trust yourself, and take these lessons and run with them. It’s your life…live and learn.

]]>http://www.aglutenfree.me/5-things-learned-past-10-years/feed/0http://www.aglutenfree.me/5-things-learned-past-10-years/Zucchini Breadhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AGlutenFreeMe/~3/EVH5-xIUb80/
http://www.aglutenfree.me/zucchini-bread/#respondThu, 14 Sep 2017 19:40:52 +0000http://www.aglutenfree.me/?p=1380We all love bread, especially bread that is sweet and delicious. This is a recipe that I found, and tweaked a little bit to make it fit my taste. I love having banana, pumpkin, or zucchini bread available, especially on days where all I want to do is sit with a cup of tea, some […]

]]>We all love bread, especially bread that is sweet and delicious. This is a recipe that I found, and tweaked a little bit to make it fit my taste. I love having banana, pumpkin, or zucchini bread available, especially on days where all I want to do is sit with a cup of tea, some bread, and watch a movie. Of course this is made gluten free. And of course you can add your own little twist to it. If you do, please share it in the comments so others can try it out.

What you will need:

3 eggs

1 cup of oil (vegetable or coconut will work)

1 1/2 cups sugar ( like to use coconut sugar rather than refined sugar)

2 cups of zucchini (I shred it in my food processor)

2 tsp vanilla

2 cups gf flour (I love Pillsbury, and Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1, just make sure there is xanthan gum in it)

1/4 tsp. Baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp nutmeg

3 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp sea salt or Kosher salt

chopped walnuts and/or chocolate chips

What you need to do:

Preheat over to 375 degrees

In a mixer, blend eggs, oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla

Mix dry ingredients together and add to the wet mixture until well blended

]]>http://www.aglutenfree.me/zucchini-bread/feed/0http://www.aglutenfree.me/zucchini-bread/The Trials and Tribulations of Traveling Gluten Freehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AGlutenFreeMe/~3/UuEu1DPqBwA/
http://www.aglutenfree.me/trials-tribulations-traveling-gluten-free/#respondTue, 22 Aug 2017 02:15:46 +0000http://www.aglutenfree.me/?p=1361This summer I have done a lot of traveling…more than I have done in a very long time. Granted, I have done road trips with the family to places within a 2 hour drive, but I really haven’t gone away far since being gluten free…and that was almost 10 years ago. If you don’t know […]

]]>This summer I have done a lot of traveling…more than I have done in a very long time. Granted, I have done road trips with the family to places within a 2 hour drive, but I really haven’t gone away far since being gluten free…and that was almost 10 years ago. If you don’t know my story, you can hear it on my podcast A Gluten Free Me, episode 1. So, with all my knowledge of gluten free living, I figured it would be fairly easy to find gluten free food while on the road in different states across the country, and I had hoped it would be without a lot of work. Let’s just say that I was wrong…very wrong.

The Fun I Had

Our first trip this summer was to California. I had figured that, since California is so liberal, in a sense, and very much in touch with the gluten free epidemic, that it would be extremely accommodating. Well, I was proven wrong. Our first night there, we strolled through the Gaslamp Quarters in San Diego and found restaurants that housed gluten free meals consisting of salads…no gluten free bread, no gluten free pastas, and I was frustrated. So, I got a salad with grilled chicken. Is was late and I figured it was a good choice being light and all. So I sucked it up and didn’t complain. The next day was we were at the San Diego Zoo. What a beautiful place. Really! The rolling hills, the exhibits, all breathtaking, as was most of California, I might add. It was a full morning of walking and building up an appetite. And then lunchtime came. There weren’t many choices, so another salad with grilled chicken it was. But the chicken tasted very weird…so I only ate a few bites, and threw the rest out. And that was enough to cause damage by way of food poisoning. For the rest of the trip to Cali. It hit when my husband and I went out for sushi that same night. Horrible, right? Over the course of the week, my appetite went in and out. We had gone out to one Italian place in LA…a very hip area, and as my family was ordering these amazing deep dish Chicago pizzas, I had to create my own version of chicken parm…but without the breading, the fried cooking part, and no pasta. It was gross, and after the food poisoning incident with the chicken, it was hard to eat it. I only ate one meal a day. I will say that I was able to find gluten free restaurants more in San Francisco than in LA or San Diego. I began doing research, and told my family that we were going to certain places because I want to be able to eat the way they eat…except without the gluten. They obliged…most of the time. Sometimes it was a fight.

One place that I must tell you about is Mariposa bakery. It is located in the Ferry Building Marketplace, not far from the wharf and where you catch the ferry to Alcatraz. I had heard about this place from a blogpost I read, and was instantly intrigued. My plan was to get there on the first day in San Fran and stock up on delicious goodies for the remainder of our trip. Well, because of time, we got there the second to last day, however I spent a good amount of time (and money) there, my first purchase being a gluten free bagel with cream cheese and lox. It was amazing. I then purchased au pain chocolate, a soft pretzel, a croissant, chocolate chip cookies and 4 more au pain chocolates on a second trip back that day. The great thing is they have mail order which I plan to utilize. California was definitely a learning experience in the sense that I have to be more prepared…stocked up on snacks and ready with a list of restaurants in the area that are good for me. Thank goodness for the Find Me Gluten Free app (which I used in the latter part of the trip.. If you don’t have that app on your phone, download it. Where ever you are, and where ever you are travelling, this app will find restaurants that cater to a gluten free lifestyle).

Then, I went to Las Vegas with my husband at the end of July. The last time we were there was back in 1999…I know…I’m dating myself. That was before I was gluten free and before I really could enjoy Vegas in it’s entirety. This time around, we knew we wanted to take in the sights, the food, and all that Vegas can offer a couple looking to have fun (but not too much fun, although what happens in vegas stays in vegas). Being the foodie that I am, I had scoped out a bunch of places that catered to my gluten free lifestyle…and there were so many. Little did I realize that there were so many restaurants on the strip by my favorite chef ever. Gordon Ramsey. Now…don’t judge me, but I would eat anything this man creates…within humanitarian reason. Our first meal in Vegas was at Gordon Ramsey Burger. It was a little while after arriving at our hotel and I had a major headache that was turning into a migraine. I always get a headache when I fly, and this was a combination of jet lag and exhaustion and being extremely hungry. So when we got to the restaurant which, I have to add, I screamed when I saw it, I felt the need to stick to my gluten free diet, and order a Portobello mushroom burger on a lettuce bun. And then I thought about it. How often will I get the chance to eat at Gordon Ramsey’s Burger place? I really need to take advantage of this…so I I cancelled the Portobello burger and got a turkey burger with a special sauce and typical burger accouterments (you know, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles). I have to say, that although the burger was amazing, I was only able to eat half mainly because my head was pounding and the bread from the roll filled me up so fast. Let me back track, if you have heard my story I do not have Celiac disease. I was never tested, nor are my symptoms as extreme as people with Celiac. I consider myself to have a gluten intolerance, where I get bloated, heady, and very uncomfortable in the abdominal area. So, I was willing to risk that for some amazing food that I won’t get the chance to eat again…for a long time. The rest of the trip I kept to my diet. I made sure to eat gluten free and somewhat healthy. I had snacks with me that kept me energized, but my main focus while walking around in Vegas on a summer day in July was to remain hydrated. That’s a hard thing to do in the desert. I can’t begin to tell you how dehydrated I was…and that’s with drinking a lot of water all day long. Anyway, I digress. My last meal was on our anniversary. It was a celebration dinner at Gordon Ramsey Steak (can you tell I am obsessed with him a little bit?). I looked on the menu and saw everything I wanted to eat which were all gluten free. And then it happened. The waiter brought out fresh bread prepared in the kitchen. I eyed it. Told myself no, and then said, “Screw it!” I indulged one more time. Did I feel bad about it? Not really…but there was this little voice saying that I should not be eating that…the same voice I heard at the burger place. But again…how often am I going to dine at Gordon Ramsey’s Steakhouse? Seriously…I had to take advantage of it.

The Lessons I Learned

Because I don’t have Celiac Disease, I have a little more room for treating myself (I say treating because cheating has such a negative connotation to it and we often punish ourselves for it. This is a place not for punishment, but for making choices). I chose to treat twice…and other times I stayed strict to my dietary lifestyle. I had gluten free pizza. I had a turkey burger on a gluten free bun at Guy Fieri’s restaurant, and the chef at the breakfast buffet made me special gluten free French toast as per my request. So, I know what I am supposed to do, and for the most part, it wasn’t hard to remain on my lifestyle. I chose to indulge, as I said before. However, those of you out there that do not have that choice, can enjoy restaurants like Ramsey Steak, Ramsey Burger, Guy Fieri’s Vegas, a pizza place and a breakfast place in LA and many many others. The key is to do research. Download the Find Me Gluten Free app, and got to their website, also. Make sure you plan ahead, and although it was a hard lesson for me while in California, I thoroughly enjoyed it and made sure to get the most out of my Vegas trip. I am still feeling the results of glutening myself. My tummy is bloated, I have foggy brain at times, and headaches, but I don’t regret a thing. If you are, in fact, glutened (and not by choice) I learned from my friend Taylor Miller of GlutenAway that you can take activated charcoal, which will neutralize your stomach and alleviate any pains related to glutening.

It Comes Down To This

It’s not about eating everything in sight. It’s about enjoying your travels…staying focused on your goals and your health. Being prepared. Doing your research. Traveling doesn’t have to be scary. You can remain on your lifestyle, continue to thrive and enjoy your vacation or trip, and eat amazingly well while maintaining a gluten free diet.It’s not hard. It just takes a little extra work and will-power to seek out your people and the places that will support you. I promise you, they are out there, ready to serve you an amazing gluten free meal. My question to you, as I bring this blogpost to a close, is where have you traveled that was gluten free friendly? And on the opposite spectrum, where did you go that shunned gluten free thrivers? I would love to hear from you, and create a list of gluten free friendly places to go when traveling throughout the US or even to other countries. Let’s help our fellow gluten free thrivers enjoy their travels.

]]>http://www.aglutenfree.me/trials-tribulations-traveling-gluten-free/feed/0http://www.aglutenfree.me/trials-tribulations-traveling-gluten-free/Chocolate Coconut Cookie Barshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AGlutenFreeMe/~3/ergor_xzRq0/
http://www.aglutenfree.me/chocolate-coconut-cookie-bars/#respondWed, 12 Jul 2017 12:00:16 +0000http://www.aglutenfree.me/?p=1366Deciding on what to eat when your sweet tooth starts acting up is, many times, difficult. Especially when you are gluten free and unable to rip open the bag of chocolate chip cookies. You have to plan ahead and make sure that you already have something on hand. Here’s where this recipe comes into play. […]

]]>Deciding on what to eat when your sweet tooth starts acting up is, many times, difficult. Especially when you are gluten free and unable to rip open the bag of chocolate chip cookies. You have to plan ahead and make sure that you already have something on hand. Here’s where this recipe comes into play. It’s a great one to make in large batches, freeze, and break out when needed.

]]>http://www.aglutenfree.me/chocolate-coconut-cookie-bars/feed/0http://www.aglutenfree.me/chocolate-coconut-cookie-bars/3 Best Gluten Free Breads I Foundhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AGlutenFreeMe/~3/jxL2qpBTww0/
http://www.aglutenfree.me/3-best-gluten-free-breads-found/#respondMon, 10 Jul 2017 19:22:27 +0000http://www.aglutenfree.me/?p=1336I bet you thought that when you became gluten free, life would never be normal for you again. I can only assume that you thought you wouldn’t enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich ever again, or a soggy tuna sandwich at the beach. Having a sub with your favorite deli meat was out of the […]

]]>I bet you thought that when you became gluten free, life would never be normal for you again. I can only assume that you thought you wouldn’t enjoy a peanut butter and jelly sandwich ever again, or a soggy tuna sandwich at the beach. Having a sub with your favorite deli meat was out of the question and forget about garlic bread with your chicken parm and spaghetti, right? Well, after lots and lots of research (which includes trying different types of bread since becoming gluten free 9.5 years ago), I have found that different gluten free breads suited different tastes. And not every bread is sliced from the same loaf. Some are lighter than others, and some have more density than others. Some are fresh and some (or rather most) are frozen. It all depends on your taste.

So without further ado, here are the top 3 gluten free breads that I found blog worthy.

Canyon Bakehouse: This one is my all time favorite…as far as gluten free bread goes. For one, you can make a real sandwich out of it. That means that you don’t have to toast the bread before assembling your sandwich. You can simply take two slices, add your desired accoutrements and enjoy. There are no holes in the bread when you open the package and the slices are a decent size. This bread is available in 7-grain, deli rye style, mountain white, cinnamon raisin, and they even have plain and everything bagels that are seriously good, and work amazing as an egg sandwich! Oh…and have I mentioned the incredible grilled cheese sandwiches their bread makes? For the sweet tooth to be craved, Canyon Bakehouse also carries unbelievable brownie bites…really delicious! Can you tell I am really excited about this brand?!

Rudi’s: Taking the silver medal as a gluten free bread, Rudi’s definitely holds up when it comes to sandwich making and grilled cheese. The loaf is sliced evenly, and there are a variety of flavors, like multi-grain, original, and then different styles like buns, rolls, etc. This can often times be found in the frozen foods section where the breads are. Some stores may have them on the shelves, sold fresh like all the other loaves. I know Wholefoods has this option.

Udi’s: This was one of the first gluten free breads I tried, after sorting through the insanely heavy and dense gluten free breads (steer clear). I was very impressed at first with the flavor, and the variety it came in…like white, rye, whole grain, and millet-chia. Although tasty, I found that this brand needs to be toasted before a sandwich can be made. It’s a bit on the dry side if you don’t toast it, and it crumbles more than the others. However, the taste is amazing, and it works really well as a grilled cheese sandwich, or an egg sandwich with cheese and turkey bacon. Along with their loaves of bread, Udi’s has a slew of gluten free bread products like rolls, bagels, muffins, cookies, and even frozen pizza. I highly recommend you give them a try.

Again, it’s all a matter of taste. These three brands are my top 3 go to gluten free breads. There are others, of course, and I know that I haven’t tasted all there is to taste. However, these are the ones I like most. My challenge to you is to taste different ones aside from these three and leave a review for me. Then I will know that there is another gluten free bread out there that is just as, if not more delicious, than these. Challenge accepted?

]]>http://www.aglutenfree.me/3-best-gluten-free-breads-found/feed/0http://www.aglutenfree.me/3-best-gluten-free-breads-found/Episode 5: Emerson and Dionne Share About Children and Celiac Diseasehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AGlutenFreeMe/~3/MhlEU-taFy0/
http://www.aglutenfree.me/episode-5-emerson-dionne-share-children-celiac-disease/#respondWed, 21 Jun 2017 16:04:48 +0000http://www.aglutenfree.me/?p=1353Imagine being 11 and being told that you can no longer eat bread, or cake, or pizza, or cookies. Imagine going out with your friends, having to bring your own food, or searching for something that will not make you sick, yet will satisfy your hunger. Emerson was diagnosed at 11 years old with Celiac […]

Imagine being 11 and being told that you can no longer eat bread, or cake, or pizza, or cookies. Imagine going out with your friends, having to bring your own food, or searching for something that will not make you sick, yet will satisfy your hunger. Emerson was diagnosed at 11 years old with Celiac Disease, after her mom noticed some physical changes that just didn’t seem right. No sooner after she was diagnosed, Emerson and her mom, Dionne, jumped feet first into action, figuring out how to adjust to this new lifestyle.

Dionne, a stay at home mom, learned everything she needed to learn in order to help her daughter thrive as much as possible. Finding restaurants that offer gluten free menus, apps that help locate places suitable for people with Celiac Disease when traveling, learning to cook gluten free, and even cleaning her home top to bottom in order to be sure no cross contamination occurs.

It has been a learning process for all in Emerson’s family, and they are nailing it. Of course, there will always be many things to learn and figure out, and at the same time, Emerson is as healthy as she can be, thanks to the help and support of her mom, dad, and her own determination.

]]>http://www.aglutenfree.me/episode-5-emerson-dionne-share-children-celiac-disease/feed/0Imagine being 11 and being told that you can no longer eat bread, or cake, or pizza, or cookies. Imagine going out with your friends, having to bring your own food, or searching for something that will not make you sick, yet will satisfy your hunger.Imagine being 11 and being told that you can no longer eat bread, or cake, or pizza, or cookies. Imagine going out with your friends, having to bring your own food, or searching for something that will not make you sick, yet will satisfy your hunger. Emerson was diagnosed at 11 years old with Celiac […]Aimee Ensignclean34:35http://www.aglutenfree.me/episode-5-emerson-dionne-share-children-celiac-disease/Episode 4: The Digestive Benefits of Essential Oils with Lorinda Walkerhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AGlutenFreeMe/~3/9ZHqe1KmbQ4/
http://www.aglutenfree.me/episode-4-digestive-benefits-essential-oils-lorinda-walker/#commentsWed, 31 May 2017 01:47:33 +0000http://www.aglutenfree.me/?p=1338Have you ever wondered about this craze with essential oils? How exactly they help and why people use them in their lives, rather than going in the direction of medication? Lorinda Walker, an essential oils authority, talks about how oils can help heal you from the inside out. It’s true…oils can replace the use of […]

Have you ever wondered about this craze with essential oils? How exactly they help and why people use them in their lives, rather than going in the direction of medication? Lorinda Walker, an essential oils authority, talks about how oils can help heal you from the inside out.

It’s true…oils can replace the use of medication. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not condemning medication if you are told to take them, nor am I a doctor telling you that oils will heal you. What I am advocating is the use of essential oils to help with the healing process…in addition to any other treatments you may be incorporating into your life due to an illness, condition, or something you just want to improve. This episode is not to be confused with those people in the gluten free world that are thriving with Celiac Disease, or any other disease, like adrenal disorder, what Taylor Miller talked about in episode 2. Although oils are not necessarily a medication, it is another way to ease symptoms. Over the course of the past 9 years, I have tried to heal my gut and my body using any natural way possible, with the hopes of avoiding any medication. Oils have truly helped me…and Lorinda was the one to guide me. She has spoken all over the country, educating others about the uses of oils in their health, and how oils can change their lives.

This episode talks about the many uses of essential oils in aiding digestive issues, migraines, allergies, and so much more. Leave it to Lorinda to answer any questions you may have about how essential oils can help with healing your gut, and the issues you deal with everyday, whether due to Celiac, auto-immune, or any other ailment you struggle with on a daily basis.

]]>http://www.aglutenfree.me/episode-4-digestive-benefits-essential-oils-lorinda-walker/feed/2Have you ever wondered about this craze with essential oils? How exactly they help and why people use them in their lives, rather than going in the direction of medication? Lorinda Walker, an essential oils authority,Have you ever wondered about this craze with essential oils? How exactly they help and why people use them in their lives, rather than going in the direction of medication? Lorinda Walker, an essential oils authority, talks about how oils can help heal you from the inside out. It’s true…oils can replace the use of […]Aimee Ensignclean37:53http://www.aglutenfree.me/episode-4-digestive-benefits-essential-oils-lorinda-walker/Bee Smart About Digestive Healthhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AGlutenFreeMe/~3/RTLLoanmjSw/
http://www.aglutenfree.me/bee-smart-digestive-health/#respondThu, 18 May 2017 02:20:50 +0000http://www.aglutenfree.me/?p=243Being gluten free is not enough, sometimes. The truth is that sometimes it’s not only about being on a specialty diet. Sometimes, or rather, many times, it’s about putting into your body what your body needs in order to restore itself to it’s natural well-being. It’s about eating to nourish, and not to taste. It’s […]

]]>Being gluten free is not enough, sometimes. The truth is that sometimes it’s not only about being on a specialty diet. Sometimes, or rather, many times, it’s about putting into your body what your body needs in order to restore itself to it’s natural well-being. It’s about eating to nourish, and not to taste. It’s about getting away from the cravings and moving towards all the good stuff that will help feel good.

One thing that helps heal your body from the inside out is the stuff that comes from one of the most amazing sources in the world…BEES. That’s right, the bees that are starting to leave us deprived of the honey, and the pollen, and the vitamins we need in order to be healthy in the gut, and in our sinuses, and clean in our home. Are you even aware of how good this stuff really is for your health? Here’s a little taste:

“Raw honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It promotes body and digestive health, is a powerful antioxidant, strengthens the immune system, eliminates allergies, and is an excellent remedy for skin wounds and all types of infections. Raw honey’s benefits don’t stop there. Raw honey can also stabilize blood pressure, balance sugar levels, relieve pain, calm nerves, and it has been used to treat ulcers. Raw honey is also an expectorant and anti-inflammatory and has been known to effectively treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.”

Here’s a true story. Two years ago my health was in a bad place. My gut issues were taking over, and the inflammation I was experiencing was probably worse than it has been since I first went gluten free. I had to go back to basics. So I ate only fruits, veggies, protein, and very little grains like quinoa and brown rice. That was it. Everything was flavored naturally, with some olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and fresh garlic. I also ate, which I believe contributed to me feeling better, raw honey. A tablespoon of raw honey every morning. Along with my vitamins and aloe juice. After two months of consistently living that diet, the inflammation was gone and so was the bloat. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of honey, my health was restored, and I believe that that can happen for so many others suffering from diseases that are causing the immune system to break down. Now, I’m not a doctor, but I am speaking from experience. If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself. Especially if you have allergies. Or trouble sleeping. You can learn more here: http://www.naturalnews.com/035493_raw_honey_health_benefits_antibacterial.html#ixzz3iH7lZ6Cs

Right now, we are losing our source for honey. Bees are becoming extinct from all the pesticides and lack of wildflowers around. There are movements to bring them back. Cheerios, the popular cereal, is actually involved in this movement. All over the world, people are handing out packets of wildflower seeds, asking others to plant them near their house or in open fields. So, when you see a honey bee, please do not feel inclined to kill it. And if you walk past a patch of wildflowers, please do not pick them. The bees need them to pollinate and make honey.

Also, if you are looking to cleanse your home of toxins, bees wax candles are a great natural source. “Because beeswax candles clean the air and reduce indoor pollutants, they can effectively reduce asthma, allergies, and hay fever.” It is nature’s air purifier. Your home will smell and feel pure and the air will actually be cleaner.

Are you starting to see why bees are so important to our environment? Help them help you. What can you do to make a difference in the life of a bee? After all, they work incredibly hard to help you.